deck builder

May 19, 2014

Deck Safety and Maintenance Tips Before Summer

18Posted:tricountryCategories: Deck Building

Summer is approaching quickly, and before it arrives is the best time to take care of deck maintenance and deck safety. The first thing that should be done to get ready for the warm weather is a deck inspection, which will determine any potentially hazardous problems that may be looming on the horizon.

Deck Failure

There’s a common misconception that decks are easy to put up and don’t require a lot of careful construction. Because of this, deck failure is very common, and summer is the time when most collapses occur. A deck failure is hazardous and can cause harm or fatality from things such as rail failures or collapse. Deck failures are frequently due to separation from the house wall, although they may be caused by heavy snow or excessive occupation. Rail failures are more common than actual total collapse; however, they cause a lower level of harm and so are frequently not reported. Because deck failure is a dangerous issue, it’s important to have an inspection performed in order to determine deck safety and prevent unnecessary injuries or fatalities. A good deck builder will be key in preventing failures.

Common Deck Problems

When it comes to deck construction, there are some common problems that a deck builder may overlook. One of the first to consider when getting a deck inspected is the condition of all boards. All deck posts and other boards should be checked for deterioration. If there is any softness, sponginess, or rotting, the affected boards should be removed and replaced with wood that is in the best of condition. Otherwise, there is a high risk of collapse. All hardware should be regularly inspected, and anything that shows signs of rust or excessive wear should be replaced. This includes all nails, screws, bolts, hinges, or other connectors. Faulty hardware can cause rails to fall out, or boards to come loose, or compromised support of the deck. Failures commonly result in a detachment from the home structure, so all connections should be properly stabilized with bolts and flashing. A shaky deck is another frequent ailment, but it can be prevented by additional support from a diagonal wood brace.

These are some of the things that are important to address before the summer season arrives and deck usage is in full swing. Contact www.tricountyexteriors.com for a deck that is safe and will last.